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Local Studies Library and Archives
The Local Studies Library in Bromley Central Library offers resources going back hundreds of years, on topics related to the London Borough of Bromley and its environs. It has specialist collections on The Crystal Palace, Walter de la Mare and H.G. Wells and works closely with Bromley Museum Service based at The Priory, Orpington. It also houses the archives for the borough and has extensive family history resources. A range of local history publications for sale are available from the Local Studies Library.
Contacts
Telephone: 020 8461 7170
Fax: 020 8466 7860
e-mail:
localstudies.library@bromley.gov.uk Address: High Street, Bromley BR1 1EX
Visiting the Library
Opening Hours
| Day |
Opening Hours |
| Monday |
9.30am - 6.00pm |
| Tuesday |
9.30am - 8.00pm |
| Wednesday |
9.30am - 6.00pm |
| Thursday |
9.30am - 8.00pm |
| Friday |
9.30am - 6.00pm |
| Saturday |
9.30am - 5.00pm |
| Sunday |
Closed |
Transport
- Centrally located in the pedestrianised section of Bromley High Street, served by major bus routes and two rail stations - Bromley North and Bromley South.
- The library does not have parking facilities but there are several nearby car parks for which a charge is made.
- Location map
Services & Facilities
The Local Studies Library has a comprehensive collection of books on the history of the Bromley area and a selection on the rest of Kent and neighbouring areas of Surrey and Greater London. Other resources include:
- Guides to sources and books on how to conduct local and family history research
- Guides to records in print (Kent, Surrey and London)
- Archaeology (Kent and Surrey)
- Directories (local and Kent, mid 19th century onwards)
- Ordnance Survey maps 6" and 25" to mile 1860s onwards
- Photographs (mid-19th century onwards)
- Electoral registers (non-current)
- Local newspapers past and present (mostly microfilm except most recent)
- National newspapers (non-current, microfilm)
- Current information on Bromley Council, including minutes and agendas, planning and statistics.
And archives including:-
- Parish records
- School log books
- Deeds and estate records
- Businesses, societies, charities, magistrates' court Bromley Poor Law Union
Who can use it?
- Anyone who wants to find out about local and family history, related to the Bromley area, from anywhere in the world.
- Interested amateurs
- students at all levels
- Teachers
- Local residents
- People wanting Bromley Council information, past and present
Popular Topics answered by the Local Studies Library
- History of house and neighbourhood, of school, society or other local organisation, business or estate.
- Care of the poor
- Wartime activity
If you cannot visit the library
Joining and using the library
You do not need to be a member of the library to use the Local Studies Library.